Ten Pripih (Funerary objects) Depicting Various Animals
Unknown Artist
11th–13th century
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
H. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm); W. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)
Classification
Jewelry
Culture & Period
Indonesia (Java) · Song (960–1279) or Yuan (1271–1368) dynasty (?)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Samuel Eilenberg-Jonathan P. Rosen Collection of Indonesian Gold, Bequest of Samuel Eilenberg and Gift of Jonathan P. Rosen, 1998
Accession Number
1998.544.41a–j
Tags
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art collection, *Ten Pripih (Funerary Objects) Depicting Various Animals hails from Java, Indonesia, dating to the 11th–13th century. These gold jewels, measuring just 1 1/2 inches high 2 1/4 inches wide, represent a rare glimpse into ancient Javanese elite burial practices. Crafted during a vibrant era of Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms the Mataram or Singhasari dynasties they were likely used in cremation rituals, adorning the deceased or accompanying urns to ensure spiritual protection in the afterlife. The pure gold medium underscores their luxury...